Kremlin Now Understands that the Russian Empire has Been on the Way to Collapse for a Century, Yakovenko Says

Paul Goble

            Staunton, Jan. 28 – The denizens of the Kremlin now “understand that the core content of the process which has been taking place in Russia over the last 100 years is the continuing decay of the Russian Empire” and thus believe that their task is to delay this outcome as long as possible by fighting against it, according to Igor Yakovenko.

            The Russian opposition figure now living in exile says that the Kremlin understands that “the decay of the Russian empire began in 1917, continued in 1991, and is now in its third phase” (idelreal.org/a/igor-yakovenko-proishodyaschiy-poslednie-100-let-v-rossii-protsess-eto-prodolzhayuschiysya-raspad-rossiyskoy-imperii-/32791287.html).

            And at least some of them understand as well, Yakovenko suggests, that by invading Ukraine, “Putin has accelerated this process.” That intuitive understanding lies behind Moscow’s new repressive laws and the formation in the regions and republics of special organs charged with combatting disintegration.

            These moves thus should not be read as evidence of the strengthening of the Putinist state but rather as a sign that it is weakening and even that those at the top recognize that fact even if their opponents are confused and overwhelmed by this display of what looks like unchallenged power.